Emerald Harmony – Day 1 Majestic Mekong
Cambodia
Embarkation day on any ocean cruise can be a little hectic. There’s the queuing, the passport checks, the credit card registering, visa requirements and security screening. It can be quite an ordeal and can take up to a few hours to actually board.
To my delight, this chaotic process does not apply to river cruising. Well, at least not with Emerald Cruises.
Earlier that afternoon, I was picked up in a modern coach from the Palace Gate Hotel in Phnom Penh. Emerald Cruises had organised the hotel and the transfers from the airport the night before and also to the ship. Having this seamless service takes all the stress out of organising your own transport and pre-cruise accommodation. A huge plus for me, especially travelling alone in a new country.
The bus ride from Phnom Penh to Prek Kdam, where we’d be embarking, was about an hour. We were joined by our tour guide Darith – who’d be out personal guide over the next three days in Cambodia.
Easy Embarkation
In the haze of the Cambodian heat, I stepped off the bus and had my first look at my home for the next week. The Captain and crew lined gangway to greet the guests aboard the sleek Emerald Harmony. Immediately I felt the warm welcome and a personalised touch by the friendly crew.
Watch my first impressions here
OH MY WOW! I was expecting a modern, beautiful ship, but the brochure did not do the Emerald Harmony justice. It was a sensory feast.
The first sense that was stimulated was smell. The signature aroma of lemongrass notes floated in the air setting the tone of the destination.
Next, sight. The lavish setting of the reception filled my eyes and exuded sophisticated luxury. The emerald-uniformed crew ushered me into the Horizon Bar and Lounge where a welcome drink was offered, and my next sense was roused as tiny champagne bubbles burst onto my tongue – taste. Moving into the lounge, my ears were gently filled with smooth jazz, creating instantly relaxation.
After a brief look around the lounge, the only requirement was to drop off my passport at reception, and to my delight, within moments I was walking with my key to my cabin.
Panoramic Cabin
Emerald Harmony has several categories, (read here for details)
I was staying in a Panorama Balcony cabin on Deck 3
I was staying in a Panorama Balcony cabin on Deck 3
Unlike the warm timber and pops of teals in the common areas, the cabin was neutral and bright.
It exuded a sense of calm and, honestly, I craved to just it by my massive window and breath it all in.
But, curiosity got the better of me, and I went exploring. Emerald Harmony has five decks, which includes a large pool on Deck 4.
Imagine this: tropical plants adorning the area, a bar in one corner where Bartender Min Zaw was mixing up colourful cocktails and ample sun loungers – for me the whole image oozed an upmarket a super yacht vibe.
It’s going to be hard to not spend every waking moment here.
After a glorious sunset, the rest of the evening went past quickly, a safety briefing, crew introduction and a port talk to brief guests on the next day’s excursion. (This took place every evening before dinner and was a fabulous way to be informed and ask any questions).
How's the serenity?
As I made my way to Reflections Restaurant on Deck 2, something stuck me – or rather the absence of something. The ship was quiet. No PA announcements! How lovely to not have the serenity disturbed.
Dinner was a delicious and extravagant affair of both western and Asian dishes, and I just knew that my clothes will be a lot tighter at the end of the voyage. Oh well, it would be rude not to enjoy the chef’s hard work.
Tomorrow, we’d be heading to Oudong – the former capital – to walk around the temples and receive a blessing from the monks. I’m told it’ll be a spiritual experience, and one I’ll truly treasure.
